Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Function in Bacterial and Viral Infections

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Abstract
Chemiluminescence (CL) production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) was examined in 63 patients with bacterial infections and 63 healthy controls. The production was significantly higher in the patients (mean ± standard error = 134.5±5.0×103 cpm) than in the controls (118.9±2.5×103 cpm; p3 cpm) than in the controls (129.1±5.3×103 cpm; p<0.01). 15 patients had lower values than their corresponding controls. The PMNL migration capacity was also lower in the patients. These findings indicate that the majority of patients with bacterial infections have PMNLs with normal or increased function. However, some patients have reduced PMNL function and this reduction may contribute to a fatal outcome of the disease. Patients with viral infections usually have reduced PMNL function.